Having signed to Illinois-based Red Cord Records, Mercy Screams has recently released their first full length album, Broken Mirrors. The road to getting signed was not an easy one for the five-piece metalcore outfit from Fredericksburg, VA. Formed in 2006, within a year and half they had released a self-titled demo, followed soon after by an EP, Death Defies Us All. It would take three years, numerous lineup changes and a religious experience before the group could produce another EP, Pathways, in 2010. Known as much for their diverse and creative riffs as they are for their powerful lyrics, Mercy Screams has spent half a decade building a solid following on the East Coast. Hopefully the new release will open some new doors for them.
A lot of people talk about the quality of your lyrics. They’re pretty consistently praised as a strong point in your music. Do you write them with an objective in mind? Are you trying to spread a message? Or are they more personal?
They’re personal experiences that I’ve been through and learned from that made me stronger as a man. It would be selfish not to share with others who could learn from it and use it in their own lives. Faith in God is a big part behind my lyrics, because without him I wouldn’t be here.
Were there any particular changes/improvements you were going for on your new album?
We all pushed ourselves as musicians on this record, instrumentally and vocally.
After the initial line-up changes in the band, did it take long for you guys to find your chemistry as a group?
Not at all. It just all came together.
Are any of you guys into any other art forms besides music?
Jeremiah does body modification and co-owns a tattoo shop in Fredericksburg VA, called Golden Monkey Tattoo.
I love your T-shirt designs. Who does your artwork? I particularly liked Jesus moshing on water.
Most of the designs were ideas Jeremiah had, and then gave to a designer to bring to life. Our Mosh With Jesus shirt is one of our top sellers; when Jeremiah gave the idea to the designer, he was stoked to do it, because it was so different.
How do you think downloading and filesharing is affecting bands that are in the earlier phases of their career?
Nothing you can do about kids that don’t want to pay for your work. I guess in a way it helps get your name out there more and at least it’s being heard, but it also takes away from sales at the same time.
What kind of venues do you like to play? Do you play a lot of house shows?
Really just depends on the show; big venues and small venues are both just as fun. Good sound is always nice! And we do play house shows. We would love to play more because house shows are so much fun!
How often/where do you tour? What has your touring experience been like?
We try to stay as active as possible, and now with this album release, we want to do more. Just looking for that one opportunity to get the ball rolling. We’ve done several small tours, some with national acts, and we do a couple regional shows a month.
Is it difficult to book shows outside of your immediate area? What about even in your immediate area? Is it more difficult for metal bands to find venues that cater to heavier music?
Outside our regional area is a bit harder. It’s a lot easier to book a tour with a bigger national act because for promoters it’s less of a risk on the draw for the show. Regional shows we do great! Finding venues that cater to heavier music isn’t really an issue.
How do you guys manage to find time for the band and tours between supporting yourself at home?
At times it’s hard, and we all make sacrifices, but we all have support from our loved ones to pursue our passion.
How often do you get a chance to practice?
Twice a week.
I’ve read that Jeremiah and Ian were at a show that Blessed is He played and went through what some would call a religious experience. Before that, did religion ever play a part in your lives?
Yes, I was raised in a very religious family. Both my parents, grandparents and uncle are pastors. But I turned my back on God and my faith for a long time, and it took me overdosing to wake up from the sick lifestyle I was living. I’m very thankful that I had my family and friends' prayers that helped me through it. That show changed my life for the better, and after sitting down with the band and sharing my experience, we decided that we wanted to share the same positive message we heard that touched our hearts. There are plenty of bands out there that put negative messages out and kids take it to heart. Even if the bands don’t live it…they do. Fans look up to us as role models.
Who writes your lyrics?
Jeremiah does, but he asks for our input.
What’s your ideal audience?
Everyone!
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